Latest news - ASA upholds two complaints about gambling ads
The ASA has been monitoring gambling advertising, across all media, since the opportunity to advertise came into effect.
On 23 April they published the first upheld adjudications about gambling ads which have resulted in two organisations having to withdraw their ads. Use the links below to read the adjudications.
OIGE CG Ltd t/a InterCasino
Paddy Power plc
Changes to the law create new advertising opportunities
From 1 September 2007, licensed casinos and betting were given more freedom to advertise. If you are involved in commissioning, preparing, publishing or broadcasting advertisements for gambling, you need to ensure compliance with new advertising rules.
Rigorous and robust new rules have been developed by The Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and the Broadcast Committee of Advertising Practice (BCAP). They are designed to ensure that all gambling advertisements are socially responsible and do not harm or exploit children, young people or vulnerable adults.In summary, the new rules state that advertisements for gambling must not:
- Portray, condone or encourage gambling behaviour that is socially irresponsible or could lead to financial, social or emotional harm
- Exploit the susceptibilities, aspirations, credulity, inexperience or lack of knowledge of children, young persons or other vulnerable persons.
- Suggest that gambling can be a solution to financial concerns
- Link gambling to seduction, sexual success or enhanced attractiveness
- Be of particular appeal to children or young persons, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture.
Click here to download the new rules in full [PDF document].
Ensure you're always up-to-date with developments by registering for regular updates
Email gambling@cap.org.uk and ask us to register you for regular updates direct from CAP.
Gambling Advertising Survey 2007, a sure fire winner (28 February 2008)
How did advertisers respond to the increased scope for the advertising of gambling products? The ASA conducted a survey to find out. Click here to read the full story and to download the survey results.
Tailored presentation to the Gambling industry
CAP presented the new rules and regulatory regime for gambling ads at one of our free Advice:am seminars - download the presentation. [PDF document].
Remember: as well as the specific rules on gambling advertising the general rules of the advertising standards codes apply. Download a brief presentation on how advertising is regulated in the UK. [PDF document].
To help bring the new gambling ad rules to life, a CAP Copy Advice article appeared in iGAMING Business Magazine.
It includes three fictional ads and helpful advice from the team that would apply to any similar ads. It gives you some clear and relevant pointers. Click here to view the article [PDF document].

With thanks to iGAMING Business magazine
Test AdviceOnline, the searchable knowledgebase of code advice
Click here to search the AdviceOnline database or click the links below to read the entries specific to betting and gaming:
Betting and Gaming: "Unique Bid" Auctions
Betting and Gaming: Betting, Spread Betting and Offshore Betting
Betting and Gaming: Bingo
Betting and Gaming: Casinos
Betting and Gaming: E-mails and SMS
Betting and Gaming: Gaming Machines
Betting and Gaming: General
Betting and Gaming: Licensed Casinos and Non-gaming Facilities
Betting and Gaming: Lotteries
Betting and Gaming: Online Casinos
Betting and Gaming: Tipsters
FREE advice
The Copy Advice team will give you confidential pre-publication advice on the likely acceptability of non-broadcast communications, under the CAP Code. They’ve been specifically trained to guide you through the implications for gambling, in the light of these new rules.They can advise on direct marketing campaigns, ads and sales promotions that will run in the press, on posters, in cinemas or in paid-for space on the Internet.
Act now – and protect your campaign:
Call 020 7492 2210
E-mail copyadvice@cap.org.uk
Emailing your draft campaign materials to copyadvice@cap.org.uk will enable us to offer you more informed advice, and we usually respond with 24 hours. We are on hand to help you from 9.00am to 6.00pm Monday to Friday.